Stubble height as a tool for management of riparian areas
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Authors: W. P. Clary, and W. C. Leininger
Date: 2000
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 53
Number: 6
Pages: 562-573
Summary of Methods: This is a literature review of 146 papers that synthesized scientific research to determine if stubble height is an appropriate tool for monitoring riparian areas. In addition, the authors examined recommended stubble heights for riparian vegetation.
Article Summary / Main Points: The grazing management system selected and applied by the manager should meet both short- and long-term objectives. Land managers need to consider the direct (type and characteristics of vegetation) and indirect (streambank trampling, soil compaction, soil characteristics, plant preference of grazing animals, livestock movement rates, and errors in measurement of stubble height) impacts of stubble height when making management decisions. Based on available research of riparian response to grazing, and knowledge of the characteristics of how cattle graze, a 10-cm residual stubble height is recommended as a starting point for riparian grazing management. Adequate riparian ecosystem function may be achieved in some situations with a stubble height of 7-cm or less, particularly when streambanks are dry and stable or high elevations where vegetation is naturally of low stature. In other situations, a 15-20 cm stubble height may be required to reduce browsing of willows or limit the trampling impact to vulnerable streambanks. Riparian stubble heights should not be directly applied to adjacent dry meadows as species and grazing tolerance are likely to vary, nor are stubble heights always necessary in streams with coarse substrates or incised channels.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Watersheds
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: grazing, livestock management, streambanks, trampling, utilization, willow
Annotation: Author reviews the history, current knowledge, recommendations and additional areas for future knowledge in utilizing stubble height as a management tool. In areas where the scientific literature was insufficient, author relied upon personal knowledge and communication. Stubble height is a short term tool that helps land managers in reaching there long term ecological objectives. The objective of the paper was to review the management tool in assessing the impacts of grazing; the paper does not consider if or when complete removal of grazing should be considered. Other methods of monitoring utilized at times in riparian areas include percent utilization and residual residue. Areas for future research include determining where and when stubble heights are efficient and effective, investigation into low growing plant communities, evaluation of relative preference for species in different seasons, the direct effects of livestock on different types of streams and soils, and a better understanding of channel evolution and recovery.
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